The Ultimate List – 250 Safe And Toxic Foods For Parrots

What can your parrot eat? What should you avoid feeding your parrot? Below is a list of 250 (and counting) items that you may be considering to feed your parrot, but are unsure of their safety. 

Use the “search” or “find in page” function of your browser to jump to the specific food you are looking for. If the food item is underlined, it is a link to a corresponding article where you can read about the food item in greater detail!

What this table CAN do:

• Provide general information about various foods gathered through desk research from reliable sources such as avian nutritionists, etc.
• Provide a “to the best of our knowledge” indicator of the safety of the food item based on our assessment of its nutritional content

What this table CANNOT do:

• Prescribe diets for specific species – different species of parrots have different needs, so you should always read up more about what your specific parrot species needs, and cross-check with various sources to formulate a diet suitable for them
• Guarantee absolute safety or toxicity – this depends on many factors, such as size of bird, amount of food item eaten, incompatibilities with other types of food, environmental factors, specific health conditions or dietary needs of individual birds

If in any doubt, always consult with an avian nutritionist or avian veterinarian for advice.

Definitions of terms used:

• “Yes” – Bird can eat this food without much harm generally
• “Limited” – Generally safe, but might cause some health issues if fed in high quantities
• “Depends” – Depends on the type of food item (or the way it is processed) – some may be safer than others
• “No” – Usually creates issues and needs to be avoided

Dairy

General remarks: Most parrots are lactose-intolerant, and while dairy is not necessarily toxic to parrots, it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in some birds (just like for some humans). In addition, several dairy products are full of fat, sugar or salt, which are not healthy for parrots if fed frequently. Opt for low/no lactose dairy products that are low in fat, sugar, and other additive if you must feed dairy – otherwise, simply avoid it!

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Dairy	Milk (from animals)	Avoid	Parrots cannot digest lactose, may cause stomach upset
Dairy	Milk (from plants)	Depends	Nut milk (almond, etc.), unsweetened and unflavored, are generally ok, but should only be given as a treat. Avoid bean milk.
Dairy	Butter	Limited	Full of fat; avoid (though better than margarine)
Dairy	Cheese	Limited	Parrots cannot digest lactose, may cause stomach upset
Dairy	Cream (sour, whipped, etc.)	Limited	Full of fat; avoid
Dairy	Ice cream	Limited	Parrots cannot digest lactose; high in fat and sugar. Never offer alcoholic or chocolate ice cream.
Dairy	Margarine	Limited	Full of fat; avoid
Dairy	Yoghurt	Yes	Yoghurt with live cultures have no lactose, therefore are safe. Limit feeding flavored/sweetened yoghurts (high in sugar)

Eggs

Eggs are sometimes fed to parrots as a source of protein, but bear in mind that high protein diets can result in hormonal challenges. Some aviculturists are also against the use of animal protein in parrots’ diets as parrots do not often feed on such proteins in the wild.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Eggs	Eggs	Yes	Excellent source of vitamin A, calcium, and protein. Great for breeding birds. Feed boiled or fried (without oil). Never offer raw or undercooked.

Flowers

General remarks: Feed flowers in moderation and variety as some may have medicinal effects. Edible fresh or dried flowers (not those for craft-making!) can also be used as foraging material to enrich the feeding experience of your pet parrots. Avoid using dyed flowers or flowers from unknown origins as they might contain toxic chemicals!

Flower Name	Chinese Name	French Name	Scientific Name	Safe for Parrots	Key Nutritional Benefits
Angelica	当归 (dāng guī)	Angélique	Angelica archangelica	Yes	High in vitamins and minerals, supports digestion
Anise hyssop	洋茴香薄荷 (yáng huí xiāng bò hé)	Agastache fenouil	Agastache foeniculum	Yes	Contains antioxidants, supports digestive health
Apple blossom	苹果花 (píng guǒ huā)	Fleur de pommier	Malus domestica	Yes	Contains vitamins A and C, beneficial for skin health
Basil flower	罗勒花 (luó lè huā)	Fleur de basilic	Ocimum basilicum	Yes	Rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties
Bee balm	蜂香草 (fēng xiāng cǎo)	Monarde	Monarda spp.	Yes	Contains vitamins A and C, supports respiratory health
Bitter orange blossom	苦橙花 (kǔ chéng huā)	Fleur d’oranger amer	Citrus aurantium	Yes	Rich in flavonoids, supports digestive health
Borage	琉璃苣 (liú lí jù)	Bourrache	Borago officinalis	Yes	High in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), supports skin and joint health
Butterfly pea flower	蝴蝶豌豆花 (hú dié wān dòu huā)	Pois bleu papillon	Clitoria ternatea	Yes	Rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties
Calendula (marigold)	金盏花 (jīn zhǎn huā)	Souci	Calendula officinalis	Yes	High in flavonoids and carotenoids, supports skin health and wound healing
Carnation	康乃馨 (kāng nǎi xīn)	Œillet	Dianthus caryophyllus	Safe in moderation. Do not feed dyed varieties of carnation.	Contains vitamins and minerals, supports skin and digestive health
Chamomile	洋甘菊 (yáng gān jú)/春黄菊 (chūn huáng jú)	Camomille	Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile)	Safe in moderation	Contains antioxidants that aid in treating infections and lessening swelling. Supports relaxation and digestive health
Chrysanthemum	菊花 (jú huā)	Chrysanthème	Chrysanthemum spp.	Safe in moderation	Rich in vitamins and minerals, supports eye health
Cilantro flower	香菜花 (xiāng cài huā)	Fleur de coriandre	Coriandrum sativum	Yes	Contains vitamins A, C, and K, supports detoxification
Citrus blossom	柑橘花 (gān jú huā)	Fleur d’agrumes	Citrus spp.	Yes	High in antioxidants, supports immune health
Cornflower	矢车菊 (shǐ chē jú)	Bleuet	Centaurea cyanus	Yes	Contains anthocyanins, supports urinary and digestive health
Daisy	雏菊 (chú jú)	Marguerite	Bellis perennis	Safe in moderation	Contains vitamins A and C, supports skin health
Dandelion	蒲公英 (pú gōng yīng)	Pissenlit	Taraxacum officinale	Yes	High in vitamins A, C, and K, supports liver and digestive health
Daylilies	萱草 (xuān cǎo)	Hémérocalle	Hemerocallis spp.	Yes	Contains vitamins A and C, supports immune health
Echinacea	紫锥花 (zǐ zhuī huā)	Échinacée	Echinacea spp.	Yes	Contains antioxidants, supports immune health
Elderflower	接骨木花 (jiē gǔ mù huā)	Fleur de sureau	Sambucus nigra	Safe in moderation	Rich in flavonoids, supports immune health
Fennel flower	茴香花 (huí xiāng huā)	Fleur de fenouil	Foeniculum vulgare	Yes	Contains antioxidants, supports digestive health
Forsythia	连翘 (lián qiào)	Forsythia	Forsythia spp.	Yes	Contains antiviral properties, supports respiratory health
Fuchsia	吊钟花 (diào zhōng huā)	Fuchsia	Fuchsia spp.	Yes	High in antioxidants, supports immune health
Geranium	天竺葵 (tiān zhú kuí)	Géranium	Pelargonium spp.	Safe in moderation	Contains antioxidants, supports skin health
Gladiolus	剑兰 (jiàn lán)	Glaïeul	Gladiolus spp.	Safe in moderation	High in vitamins and minerals, supports immune health
Globe amaranth	千日红 (qiān rì hóng)	Amarante globuleuse	Gomphrena globosa	Yes	Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supports eye health
Hibiscus	木槿花 (mù jǐn huā)/芙蓉花 (fú róng huā)	Hibiscus	Hibiscus spp.	Yes	High in antioxidants, supports heart health
Honeysuckle	忍冬花 (rěn dōng huā)/金银花(jīn yín huā)	Chèvrefeuille	Lonicera spp.	Safe in moderation	Contains antioxidants, supports immune health
Jasmine	茉莉花 (mò lì huā)	Jasmin	Jasminum spp.	Yes – only the flowers, not jasmine tea, as it contains caffeine	High in antioxidants, supports relaxation
Lavender	薰衣草 (xūn yī cǎo)	Lavande	Lavandula spp.	Yes	Contains antioxidants, supports relaxation and skin health
Lemon balm	柠檬香蜂草 (níng méng xiāng fēng cǎo)	Mélisse	Melissa officinalis	Yes	Rich in antioxidants, supports digestive and mental health
Lemon myrtle	柠檬香桃木 (níng méng xiāng táo mù)	Myrte citronnée	Backhousia citriodora	Yes	High in antioxidants, supports respiratory and immune health
Lemon verbena	柠檬马鞭草 (níng méng mǎ biān cǎo)	Verveine citronnelle	Aloysia citrodora	Safe in moderation	Contains antioxidants, supports digestive health
Lilac	丁香花 (dīng xiāng huā)	Lilas	Syringa vulgaris	Yes	High in antioxidants, supports immune health
Lily	百合花 (bǎi hé huā)	Lys	Lilium spp.	No	Some species can be toxic to birds
Lotus flower	莲花 (lián huā)	Fleur de lotus	Nelumbo nucifera	Yes	Rich in vitamins and minerals, supports digestive health
Magnolia (yulan)	玉兰花 (yù lán huā)	Magnolia	Magnolia denudata	Yes	Contains antioxidants, supports respiratory health
Mexican marigold	墨西哥万寿菊 (mò xī gē wàn shòu jú)	Tagète	Tagetes erecta	Yes	Rich in antioxidants, supports skin health
Mint flower	薄荷花 (bò hé huā)	Fleur de menthe	Mentha spp.	Yes	Contains vitamins and minerals, supports digestive health
Monk fruit / luohanguo flower	罗汉果花 (luó hàn guǒ huā)	Fleur de fruit moine	Siraitia grosvenorii	Yes	Contains antioxidants, supports respiratory and digestive health
Nasturtium	旱金莲 (hàn jīn lián)	Capucine	Tropaeolum majus	Yes	High in vitamin C, supports immune health
Osmanthus	桂花 (guì huā)	Osmanthe	Osmanthus fragrans	Yes	Rich in antioxidants, supports respiratory health
Pansy	三色堇 (sān sè jǐn)	Pensée	Viola tricolor var. hortensis	Yes	High in vitamins A and C, supports skin health
Passion flower (passion fruit flower)	西番莲 (xī fān lián)	Fleur de la passion/Passiflore	Passiflora edulis	In moderation – only flowers and fruits. Leaves and stems may contain cyanide. Certain species of Passiflora may be toxic.	Has calming, anti-anxiety and analgesic properties
Pea blossom	豌豆花 (wān dòu huā)	Fleur de pois	Pisum sativum	Yes	Contains vitamins and minerals, supports digestive health
Peach blossom	桃花 (táo huā)	Fleur de pêcher	Prunus persica	Yes	High in vitamins A and C, supports immune health
Poppy	罂粟花 (yīng sù huā)	Coquelicot	Papaver spp.	No	Can be toxic to birds
Primrose	报春花 (bào chūn huā)	Primevère	Primula vulgaris	Yes	Contains vitamins and minerals, supports skin health
Red clover	红三叶草 (hóng sān yè cǎo)/红车轴 (hóng chē zhóu)	Trèfle rouge	Trifolium pratense	Yes	High in vitamins and minerals, supports respiratory and digestive health
Rose	玫瑰花 (méi guī huā)	Rose	Rosa spp.	Yes	High in vitamins C and A, supports skin and immune health
Rose hips	玫瑰果 (méi guī guǒ)	Cynorhodon	Rosa spp.	Yes	Very high in vitamin C, supports immune health
Rosemary flower	迷迭香花 (mí dié xiāng huā)	Fleur de romarin	Salvia rosmarinus	Yes	Rich in antioxidants, supports cognitive health
Sage flower	鼠尾草花 (shǔ wěi cǎo huā)	Fleur de sauge	Salvia officinalis	Safe in moderation	Contains vitamins and antioxidants, supports digestive health
Snapdragon	金鱼草 (jīn yú cǎo)	Muflier	Antirrhinum majus	Yes	Contains vitamins and minerals, supports digestive health
Squash blossom	南瓜花 (nán guā huā)	Fleur de courge	Cucurbita pepo	Yes	High in vitamins A and C, supports immune health
Strawflowers	麦秆菊 (mài gǎn jú)/七彩菊 (qī cǎi jú)	Immortelle	Xerochrysum bracteatum	Yes	High in antioxidants, supports immune health
Sunflower	向日葵 (xiàng rì kuí)	Tournesol	Helianthus annuus	Yes	Rich in vitamins and minerals, supports skin and cardiovascular health
Viola	三色堇 (sān sè jǐn)	Pensée	Viola tricolor var. hortensis	Yes	High in vitamins A and C, supports skin health
Violet	紫罗兰 (zǐ luó lán)	Violette	Viola odorata	Yes	Contains vitamins and antioxidants, supports immune and skin health

Fruits

General remarks: Other than a handful of toxic fruits and fruit parts, such as avocado, avocado stones, pits of pitted fruits (e.g. peach, cherry, apricot, etc.) and apple seeds, most fruits are generally safe. A rule of thumb is to include fruits in your parrots’ diet, but be careful of the amounts given as many fruits are high in sugar.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Fruits	Fruit, dried	Depends	Dried fruits with no additives like preservatives and sugars are generally safe
Fruits	Clementine	Limited	They are highly acidic. So, it should be fed in moderation.
Fruits	Mandarin	Limited	Highly acidic, may cause stomach upset if too given too much/too often
Fruits	Olive	Limited	They contain too much fats and sodium chloride that may lead to overweight and high blood pressure in parrots.
Fruits	Pomelo (pummelo, shaddock)	Limited	They are highly acidic. So, it should be fed in moderation.
Fruits	Starfruit (carambola)	Limited	Seeds can be bitter and unpleasant to taste.
Fruits	Tamarind	Limited	Doesn’t have any nutritional value and may cause allergic reactions if consumed excessively.
Fruits	Avocado	No	Flesh, pit, and skin are highly toxic to parrots. They contain persin, a toxic chemical compound.
Fruits	Banana	Yes	Remove peels; often contain high amounts of pesticides (even organic ones).
Fruits	Blackberry	Yes	Excellent source of anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties that protects parrots against infections.
Fruits	Blackcurrant	Yes	Excellent source of vitamin C
Fruits	Blueberry	Yes	High in nutrients and lower in calories.
Fruits	Cantaloupe	Yes	Packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Remove the rinds although they are not toxic but super hard for your parrot to tear.
Fruits	Coconut	Yes	It has a unique blend of minerals and vitamins. Avoid dessicated coconut by all means because it can be fatal to parrots unless properly soaked before feeding your parrot.
Fruits	Cranberry	Yes	Good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, fibre, and other minerals.
Fruits	Custard apple (Cherimoya)	Yes	Avoid seeds and pits because they are toxic. Otherwise, the flesh is a good source of antioxidants.
Fruits	Date	Yes	There are countless of nutritional benefits associated to dates. They help promote a healthy blood flow in parrots.
Fruits	Dragonfruit (pitaya)	Yes	Very high in fiber that enhances digestion in parrots. Feed dragonfruit in moderation .
Fruits	Durian	Yes	Rich in vitamin C, folic acid. Husks are inedible.
Fruits	Elderberry	Yes	Only offer your parrots ripe elderberries. They are an excellent source of vitamin C.
Fruits	Fig	Yes	Are very rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Fruits	Gooseberry	Yes	They have an exotic, tart, and tangy taste that parrots really love. They are also very rich in vitamin A and vitamin C.
Fruits	Grape	Yes	Contains high sugars. So, it should be fed as a treat.
Fruits	Guava	Yes	Good source of vitamins. Be sure to wash the fruit well before giving your bird to get rid of pesticides and other debris.
Fruits	Honeydew	Yes	They are a good source of fiber, which is great for your parrot’s digestive tract.
Fruits	Jackfruit	Yes	It’s a delicious snack for parrots, but don’t let your bird overeat the fruit.
Fruits	Kiwi	Yes	Are an excellent source of dietary fibre, antioxidants, and vitamin C that supports the digestive health and immunity of your parrot. Feed in moderation because they are a bit acidic.
Fruits	Kumquat	Yes	It’s a healthy fruit that is fully packed with vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fruits	Longan	Yes	Peels are full of pesticides, do not give. Seeds are tough, unpleasant and slightly toxic, do not give.
Fruits	Loquat	Yes	Remove the seeds and pits because they are toxic and often full of pesticides.
Fruits	Lychee (litchi)	Yes	Peels are full of pesticides, do not give. Seeds are tough, unpleasant and slightly toxic, do not give.
Fruits	Mango	Yes	Wash the pit thouroughly before feeding it to your parrot.
Fruits	Mangosteen	Yes	Avoid the skin because it contains wax-like liquid that could possibly poison your parrot. Seeds are also so big for parrots to swallow. However, mangosteen flesh is very rich in vitamin C, B1, B2, B9, carbohydrates, manganese, and magnesium.
Fruits	Mulberry	Yes	Should be offered as a treat. It’s a great source of fibre, minerals, and vitamins.
Fruits	Nectarine	Yes	Avoid seeds and pits because they contain cyanide, a very toxic compound. Feed fresh nectarines since dry ones contain sulphates, which can be fatal to your bird.
Fruits	Orange	Yes	They are highly acidic. So, it should be fed in moderation.
Fruits	Papaya	Yes	Excellent source of fiber, fat, and protein, which are responsible for keeping your parrot fit and healthy.
Fruits	Passion Fruit	Yes	Wash well to get rid of pesticides.
Fruits	Peach	Yes	Do not feed pits as they contain cyanide compounds which are toxic to parrots
Fruits	Pear	Yes	Very rich in vitamin A and calcium.
Fruits	Persimmon	Yes	Must only be fed when ripe. Unripe persimmon contains a very toxic compound called tannins.
Fruits	Pineapple	Yes	It’s a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes.
Fruits	Plum	Yes	Do not feed pits as they contain cyanide compounds which are toxic to parrots
Fruits	Pomegranate	Yes	They are full of antioxidants and health benefits for your bird. the pit is not so edible but both seeds and pits are safe for your parrot.
Fruits	Prickly Pear	Yes	Make sure you remove the skin first.
Fruits	Prune	Yes	Do not feed pits as they contain cyanide compounds which are toxic to parrots
Fruits	Raisin	Yes	Excellent source of vitamins and nutrients.
Fruits	Rambutan	Yes	Peels are full of pesticides, do not give. Seeds are tough, unpleasant and slightly toxic, do not give.
Fruits	Raspberry	Yes	You need to clean well before feeding them to your parrot. They contain parasites and other debris that can make your parrot sick.
Fruits	Rose apple (jambu)	Yes	Good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, and fiber.
Fruits	Soursop	Yes	Seeds are toxic and should not be consumed.
Fruits	Strawberry	Yes	Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Fruits	Tangerine	Yes	The fruit, flesh, peels, and seeds are all safe and can offer wonderful benefits for your parrot.
Fruits	Watermelon	Yes	Seeds, flesh, and rinds are all ok.
Fruits	Wolfberry (goji berry)	Yes	Excellent source of vitamin A and anti-oxidants.
Fruits	Apple	Yes*	Do not feed apple seeds as they contain cyanide compounds which are toxic to parrots
Fruits	Apricot	Yes*	Do not feed pits as they contain cyanide compounds which are toxic to parrots
Fruits	Cherry	Yes*	Do not feed pits as they contain cyanide compounds which are toxic to parrots
Fruits	Grapefruit	Yes*	Highly acidic, may cause stomach upset if too given too much/too often
Fruits	Lemon	Yes*	Highly acidic, may cause stomach upset if too given too much/too often
Fruits	Lime	Yes*	Highly acidic, may cause stomach upset if too given too much/too often

Grains

General remarks: Several grains possess great nutritional benefits, but it is important to know which ones are better offered sprouted or raw.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Grains	Bread	Depends	It’s of low nutritional value. If any, feed only whole grain, unsalted breads.
Grains	Cereal	Depends	Avoid frosted corn flakes because they are coated with sugars making them unhealthy for parrots.
Grains	Rye	Depends	Rye is not a good treat for your parrot because it has lots of fibers and is minimally processed.
Grains	Semolina	Depends	As long as it’s ground to a powder-like consistency.
Grains	Sorghum	Depends	Contains anti-nutrients and should be sprouted before offering. Avoid sprouted Milo sorghum because they tend to produce higher levels of toxic compounds known as dhurrins when germinated. These compounds are potentially lethal to birds.
Grains	Amaranth seeds	Yes	Contains a good amount of methionine and lysine amino acids.
Grains	Barley (whole, hulled, pearled)	Yes	Can be served either cooked or raw. They are a good source of starch, vitamins, and minerals.
Grains	Buckwheat	Yes	It’s a great ingredient for parrots and has all the 8 essential amino acids. It’s also a good source of complex carbohydrates.
Grains	Bulgur	Yes	It’s better than white rice and contains antioxidants that are good your parrot’s health.
Grains	Corn kernel	Yes	Parrots enjoy eating corn kernels but should be given in moderation. It’s an excellent source of starch.
Grains	Millet	Yes	Good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and protein. It’s fine food for sick, young, breeding, and new parrots.
Grains	Oats	Yes	Good source of fiber, which is responsible for digestion in parrots.
Grains	Pasta	Yes	Full of energy-enhancing carbohydrates. Wash thoroughly to remove any salt or oil.
Grains	Popcorn	Yes	Good source of starch, iron, calcium, and fibre. Avoid microwavable, highly flavored, or excessively salted popcorns because they can be detrimental to your parrot’s health.
Grains	Quinoa	Yes	It’s an excellent source of phosphorous, protein, and calcium.
Grains	Rice (white, brown)	Yes	Brown rice is more nutritious than the white ones. Wash thoroughly before feeding them to your parrot because rice often contains arsenic and bacteria, which may harm your parrot. Avoid using flavors or too much oil when cooking, keep the rice as bland as possible.
Grains	Spelt	Yes	Excellent source of zinc, which helps improve the immune system in parrots.

Herbs/Spices

General remarks: Many herbs and spices can be fed to parrot and would literally “spice up” their feeding experience! Take note of those that should be fed only in moderation due to high contents of certain compounds that may cause issues in some cases.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Herbs/spices	Cinnamon	Depends	Avoid Chinese/cassia cinnamon because they contain a lot of coumarin, a toxic blood thinner that can cause severe liver issues in parrots.
Herbs/spices	Ginseng	Depends	Should be used cautiously in birds with heart problems, high blood pressure, hyperexcitability, bleeding problems, and many other infections.
Herbs/spices	Curry leaf	Limited	Too much of curry leaf can cause diarrhea.
Herbs/spices	Ginger	Limited	Contains anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall health in parrots.
Herbs/spices	Gingko	Limited	Have unpleasant smell that parrots may not like.
Herbs/spices	Turmeric	Limited	Should be avoided if a parrot has a broken blood feather or when he’s moulting.
Herbs/spices	Nutmeg	No	Very toxic to parrots because it contains a narcotic compound known as myristicin. Birds who consume nutmeg suffer from vomiting, nausea, and dizziness.
Herbs/spices	Barberry	Yes	Have a moderate antioxidant content.
Herbs/spices	Basil	Yes	Has incredible anti-inflammatory properties that are important for your bird’s general health.
Herbs/spices	Bay leaf	Yes	They give a boost of flavor when added to a parrot’s meal. They are also an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron.
Herbs/spices	Cardamom	Yes	Great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Herbs/spices	Chives	Yes	Can be harmful if fed in excessive amounts.
Herbs/spices	Clove	Yes	It’s a great boost for your bird’s immune system since it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Herbs/spices	Coriander (cilantro)	Yes	Has an interesting lemon-like taste and is a good source of vitamin A and C
Herbs/spices	Dandelion root	Yes	Contain high amounts of vitamin A, C, D, K, B-complex, protein, zinc, and magnesium.
Herbs/spices	Dill	Yes	Solves digestive disorders and has calming properties.
Herbs/spices	Fennel	Yes	Safe for parrots either cooked or raw. Parrots love the crunchy texture of fennel and the mild flavor. Fennel is also an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
Herbs/spices	Galangal	Yes	Can be eaten fresh or cooked. Contains minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Herbs/spices	Lavender	Yes	It’s entirely safe for parrots, especially if it’s grown organically in untreated soil.
Herbs/spices	Marjoram	Yes	It’s linked to improved digestive health and reduced inflammation.
Herbs/spices	Mint	Yes	All types of mint are safe. They relax the muscle, balance metabolism, and prevent stomach upsets. Do not expose birds to mint essential oils as they are concentrated.
Herbs/spices	Nettle leaf	Yes	Good for your parrot’s skin and aids the kidneys in easing arthritis.
Herbs/spices	Oregano	Yes	Have anti-inflammatory properties, which decreases the risk of diseases in parrots.
Herbs/spices	Parsley	Yes	Is a good source of vitamins, but contains oxalic acid, which can prevent your parrot from absorbing calcium if fed in large quantities.
Herbs/spices	Pepper (black or white)	Yes	Are rich in vital antioxidants.
Herbs/spices	Rosemary	Yes	Contains several antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds along with irons and vitamins that are very beneficial to rour bird’s overall health.
Herbs/spices	Sage	Yes	Solves digestive disorders, supports the liver, and boosts its functionality.
Herbs/spices	Star anise	Yes	Very rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Contains antioxidants, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which boost parrot’s immune system.
Herbs/spices	Tarragon	Yes	Rich in antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Herbs/spices	Thyme	Yes	Rich source of vitamin C, iron, copper, and manganese. Wash thoroughly to reduce the risk of pesticides.
Herbs/spices	Tulsi	Yes	Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties that promote overall health in parrots.

Insects

General remarks: Insects are sometimes eaten by parrots as part of their varied diets in the wild. Some insects are safe to feed in moderation as they are good sources of proteins.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Insects	Worms	Yes	Mealworms, in particular, are very rich in proteins.

Meat

General remarks: Meat can be an alternative source of protein for parrots but some are against feeding of animal proteins due to processing, use of hormone injections, the amount of fat, and the way they are prepared (cooked with oil, salt, etc.). Never feed raw meat to your birds.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Meats	Meat	Depends	Chicken and turkey meat are the healthiest types of meat but need to be cooked (with no oil or seasoning)
Meats	Seafood	Yes	Only safe if they are free of pollutants, toxins, and heavy metals.

Nuts

General remarks: Nuts contain excellent sources of healthy fats and other trace nutrients and minerals for your birds, but should only be fed in moderation due to the high oil content. Some parrot species, such as macaws, are more tolerant to a diet that have higher fat content, and hence can be fed more nuts than other parrots.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Nuts	Chestnuts	Depends	Some types of chestnuts may not be safe for your parrot.
Nuts	Kola	Depends	There some types with a more bitter taste. which parrots may not like. Kola nuts have medicinal health benefits.
Nuts	Almonds	Yes	They are an excellent source of nutrients, but should be fed in moderation due to high fat content. Avoid bitter almonds because they are highly toxic.
Nuts	Brazil nuts	Yes	They are a good source of energy and vitamins. Should be given in moderation due to their fat content.
Nuts	Cashew Nuts	Yes	Best when fed plain and unsalted. Salted cashewnuts maybe unsafe for your parrot.
Nuts	Hazelnuts	Yes	They are a good source of energy due to their unsaturated fat and protein contents.
Nuts	Macadamia nuts	Yes	They are perfectly safe for parrots as long as they are not salted. Feed in moderation due to too much fats.
Nuts	Peanuts	Yes	Avoid peanut shell because it contains aflatoxin.
Nuts	Pecans	Yes	Avoid chocolate or spicy coated pecans because they are toxic. The shells can also be hard, but offer the pecans wiithout cracking to strenghten your parrot’s beak.
Nuts	Pili nuts	Yes	They are a good source of proteins, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and antioxidants.
Nuts	Pine nuts	Yes	The are loaded with minerals and vitamins that promotes general health in parrots.
Nuts	Pistachios	Yes	Avoid the ones with additional flavors or excessively salted.
Nuts	Tiger nuts	Yes	Rich in magnesium, good for birds suffering from feather loss.
Nuts	Walnuts	Yes	Avoided salted walnuts or those with special coatings. Plain walnuts are a great source of proteins.

Processed Food

General remarks: Most processed foods are not healthy for parrots due to high oil, salt, and sugar contents, reduction in nutrition due to processing, or simply contain toxic compounds.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Processed food	Pizza	Depends	Pizzas containing ingredients that are unsafe for birds should be avoided.
Processed food	Chocolate	No	They contain theobrimine and caffeine chemical compounds, which are toxic to parrots.
Processed food	Pretzels	No	Pretzels contain too much salt, which may upset the electrolyte and fluid balance in your parrot’s body leading to excessive thirst, dehydration, and finally kidney failure.
Processed food	Cheerios	Yes	Avoid honey nut cheerios because they contain too much sugars. Stick to original flavour cheerios.
Processed food	Crackers	Yes	They don’t provide any nutritional value for parrots.
Processed food	Peanut butter	Yes	Fully packed with nutrients, but it’s best fed as a treat since it’s full of additives that may not work well with your bird.

Seeds

General remarks: Parrots are naturally seed-eating animals, so most seeds are suitable for them. However, like nuts, seeds tend to have a high fat content and should be fed sparingly in captive parrots. Seeds can be used as a motivating treat during training, or sprouted to reduce the amount of fat and increase the amount of beneficial nutrients in them.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Seeds	Canary food	Depends	Canary food often constitutes seeds. Therefore, you should feed your parrots cany food in moderation.
Seeds	Mustard seeds	Limited	They are not the best seeds to feed parrots. Mustard seed sprouts are better than dry ones.
Seeds	Chia seeds	Yes	Are an excellent source of healthy fats and proteins.
Seeds	Fenugreek	Yes	Contains potassium, niacin, vitamin C, and protein. Best when sprouted.
Seeds	Flax	Yes	Good source of essential fatty acids. It also promotes strong bones and healthy skin in parrots.
Seeds	Hemp	Yes	They have an ideal balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Seeds	Milk thistle	Yes	Good source of amino acids and also helps in inhibiting factors that are responsible for liver damage. Milk thistle is also a very strong antioxidant.
Seeds	Poppy	Yes	Very rich in fibre that aids in digestion. Poppy seeds also treats diarrhea.
Seeds	Safflower seeds	Yes	They are a good source of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that provide the necessary energy and nutrition your parrot requires.
Seeds	Sesame seeds	Yes	Very rich in healthy fats and proteins, but should be fed in moderation as they can lead to fatty liver diseases and obesity.
Seeds	Sunflower seeds	Yes	Very high in carbohydrates and fats.
Seeds	wild bird seed	Yes	Can be harmful if consumed on a daily basis since it contains a lot of fats.

Vegetables

General remarks: Parrot diets should consist of a large portion of raw vegetables as they contain the healthiest mix of nutrition such as vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and so on. Ensure that you wash vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to your parrots as many of them contain pesticides and herbicides.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Vegetables	Fiddlehead	Depends	Some types of fiddleheads are safe for parrots while others are toxic. While they contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as vitamin C, I wouldn’t really recommend fiddleheads for your bird.
Vegetables	Kaffir lime leaves	Depends	Technically, kaffir lime leaves are not toxic, but they may contain lots of pesticides and chemicals if they are not properly cleaned. They are only safe for parrots if they haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Besides, there’s a chance your parrot may not like them.
Vegetables	Tomatillo	Depends	Tomatillo fruits are a great option for parrots, but tomatillo leaves and stems are highly toxic.
Vegetables	Garlic	Limited	Tiny amounts (nibbles) are safe. Contain sulfur compounds that may irritate your bird’s crop, esophagus, and mouth. High amounts may lead to blood anemia.
Vegetables	Horseradish	Limited	They contain lots of mustard oil, which can be very toxic and irritating.
Vegetables	Leek	Limited	Tiny amounts (nibbles) are safe. Contain sulfur compounds that may irritate your bird’s crop, esophagus, and mouth. High amounts may lead to blood anemia.
Vegetables	Lentils	Limited	They are a good source of protein and fiber but could have adverse effects if fed excessively. Cook before feeding them to your parrot to get rid of anti-nutrients such as tannins and phytic acid.
Vegetables	Mushrooms	Limited	Fresh mushrooms from grocery stores can be fed in small quantities. Mushrooms exposed to UV light or sunlight prior to packing are great sources of vitamin D
Vegetables	Onion	Limited	Tiny amounts (nibbles) are safe. Contain sulfur compounds that may irritate your bird’s crop, esophagus, and mouth. High amounts may lead to blood anemia.
Vegetables	Onion, spring (scallions)	Limited	Tiny amounts (nibbles) are safe. Contain sulfur compounds that may irritate your bird’s crop, esophagus, and mouth. High amounts may lead to blood anemia.
Vegetables	Rhubarb	Limited	Leaves are unsafe; stalks contain oxalic acid (not good for parrots) but are safer if cooked
Vegetables	Shallots	Limited	Tiny amounts (nibbles) are safe. Contain sulfur compounds that may irritate your bird’s crop, esophagus, and mouth. High amounts may lead to blood anemia.
Vegetables	Tomato	Limited	Contains too much acid. Vines and leaves are poisonous.
Vegetables	Cassava (yuca, manioc)	No	Contains cyanide compound, which is very toxic to parrots.
Vegetables	Amaranth leaf	Yes	Is a good source of lysine and methionine. It’s also rich in antioxidants which limits damages caused by free radicals in a parrot’s body.
Vegetables	Arrowroot	Yes	Low in fats. So, it can be good for weight management.
Vegetables	Artichoke	Yes	Great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fibre.
Vegetables	Arugula	Yes	Good source of vitamin A and C, which helps maintain a healthy immune system in parrots.
Vegetables	Asparagus	Yes	Good source of vitamins, but it’s not a natural food for parrots. Raw asparagus can be very hard to chew.
Vegetables	Bamboo shoot	Yes	Bamboo shoots are safe for parrots provided they have not been treated any toxic chemicals. Cook for about 20 minutes to get rid of cyanogeni glycosides compounds.
Vegetables	Bean, black	Yes	Black beans are only safe when cooked. Uncooked black beans contain hemagluttinin, a very toxic compound that can harm parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, cannellini	Yes	Be sure to completely cook cannellini beans before offering them to your parrot. Raw or undercooked cannellini beans can be extremely harmful to your parrot.
Vegetables	Bean, fava (broadbean)	Yes	Raw or dried beans are very toxic. They contain a poisonous compound called hemagglutinin.
Vegetables	Bean, garbanzo (chickpeas)	Yes	They contain high amount of zinc, manganese, iron, folate, carbohydrate, and proteins. Avoid raw garbanzo beans because they can be unhealthy and difficult to digest. Cook the chickpeas so soften the texture.
Vegetables	Bean, green	Yes	They are a great source of fiber and are also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables	Bean, kidney	Yes	Make sure they are thouroughly cooked before offering them to your bird. Otherwise, they are a great way to add more proteins and fiber to your parrot’s diet.
Vegetables	Bean, lima	Yes	They are safe as long as they are cooked well before offering to parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, mung	Yes	Ther are not safe when eaten dry. You can sprout mung beans for three to four days before feeding them to your parrot.
Vegetables	Bean, pinto	Yes	Cook or sprout pinto beans before offering them to your parrot.
Vegetables	Bean, red (adzuki)	Yes	Cooked red beans are safe for parrots. Raw, dry red beans can possibly ham your parrot because they contain a very toxic compound known as hemagglutinin.
Vegetables	Bean, soy (edamame)	Yes	It’s a good source of proteins and amino acids. Cook well before serving them to yor parrot.
Vegetables	Beet (beetroot)	Yes	A great source of vitamins and minerals. Great for regulating blood pressure and preventing inflammations.
Vegetables	Bell peppers (capsicum)	Yes	An excellent source of vitamin C.
Vegetables	Bitter melon (bittergourd)	Yes	Excellent source of vitamin C, which pays a major role in parrot’s immune system.
Vegetables	Bok Choy (pak choi)	Yes	It’s an excellent source of calcium which helps maintain muscle health and bone density in parrots.
Vegetables	Broccoli	Yes	Wash it well if you’re feeding raw.
Vegetables	Brussel sprout	Yes	Very rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Vegetables	Burdock root	Yes	Source of inulin and fibre that aids digestion in parrots.
Vegetables	Cabbage, green	Yes	Contains oxalic acid, which doesn’t cause a problem unless your parrot is calcium deficient.
Vegetables	Cabbage, red	Yes	A good source of vitamin K, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
Vegetables	Carrot	Yes	An excellent source of vitamin A.
Vegetables	Cauliflower	Yes	Is a good source of vitamins, antioxidants, magnesium, phosphorous, and fibre. Apll parts can be consumed including the leaves.
Vegetables	Celery	Yes	Feed only in moderation. Remove the stringy parts to prevent constipation and crop compaction.
Vegetables	Celery root	Yes	It’s a good source of vitamin B-complex, vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants which combats inflammation in parrots.
Vegetables	Chicory (Curly Endive)	Yes	Parrots can eat all types of endives. The curly endive has a good amount of vitamin K and is also a low-calorie vegetable.
Vegetables	Chilli peppers	Yes	Too much chilli pepper can cause sensitivity or digestive issues.
Vegetables	Collard	Yes	Contain lots of vitamins, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties which are essential for keeping parrots healthy.
Vegetables	Corn	Yes	Corn is very rich in vitamin C and fibre. However, they are high in starch, can spike blood sugar and cause excess weight in parrots.
Vegetables	Cucumber	Yes	Fresh cucumbers are ok. Do not feed pickled ones.
Vegetables	Daikon (Japanese radish)	Yes	Good source of antioxidants, calcium, and potassium. Best when fed along with other vegetables like kales, endive, carrots, broccoli, and many others.
Vegetables	Dandelion greens	Yes	Wash well to remove dirt. Parrots love their bitter taste and they are also a good source of vitamin A, B1, and C.
Vegetables	Eggplant (brinjal, aubergine)	Yes	Eggplant can be bitter because it contains solanine, but it’s high in folic acid, which is responsible for processing amino acids and proteins. Avoid eggplant leaves because they are very toxic.
Vegetables	Endives	Yes	Parrots can eat all types of endives. Endives are also safe for parrots and they are very important vegetables for your parrot’s diet. They contain more vitamin K than most vegetables.
Vegetables	Fennel	Yes	They are very safe for parrots and can be served either cooked or raw. Fennels are a good source of vitamin C which is critical for the immune health of parrots.
Vegetables	Jicama	Yes	Excellent source of vitamins and starch. Remove the jicama’s skin if it’s not organic.
Vegetables	Kale	Yes	Good source of vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables	Lemongrass	Yes	Contains components that are responsible for relieving pain and swelling as well as improving cholesterol level in blood.
Vegetables	Lettuce, batavia	Yes	Excellent choice of lettuce for your parrot. It’s a good source of vitamin A, calcium, vitamin K, and vitamin C. It’s low in fats and calories.
Vegetables	Lettuce, iceberg	Yes	Little nutritional value, so should be given in moderation.
Vegetables	Lettuce, leaf	Yes	Wash well to get rid of pesticides and other chemicals.
Vegetables	Lettuce, red	Yes	Very rich in vitamin K, but should be fed in moderation.
Vegetables	Lotus root	Yes	Good source of vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables	Mustard greens	Yes	Good source of vitamins. They also rejuvenate parrot skin and relaxes nervous birds.
Vegetables	Okra (ladyfinger)	Yes	It’s a good source of vitamin A, K1, C, and antioxidants. They help regulate blood sugar and promote a healthy heart.
Vegetables	Pandan	Yes	Parrots absolutely love its fragrance. You can buy pandan for your parrots to play with. Pandan leaves also emit a very nice smell when shredded.
Vegetables	Parsnip	Yes	Contains lots of antioxidants and vitamin C that boost the immune system of parrots.
Vegetables	Pea, black-eyed	Yes	It’s an excellent dietary constituent. they contain many nutrients such as proteins, vitamin A, and manganese. However, they should be cooked well before feeding them to your parrots.
Vegetables	Pea, sweet	Yes	Contains an intense flavor that most parrots love.
Vegetables	Peas, green	Yes	Sprouted peas are far more nutritious than raw or cooked ones. Green peas are a great source of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Feed green peas in moderation.
Vegetables	Peas, snow	Yes	Parrots enjoy eating snow peas because of their crunchy texture. They are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber. They can be cooked or boiled to soften their texture, but parrots love them raw.
Vegetables	Peas, sugar snap	Yes	They provide a satisfying crunch and an intense flavor that most parrots enjoy since they can be eaten raw.
Vegetables	Potato	Yes	Avoid uncooked potatoes, french fries (salted and oily), and potato peels.
Vegetables	Potato, sweet	Yes	Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, fibre, manganese, and antioxidants. Can be offered raw or steamed.
Vegetables	Pumpkin	Yes	Rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, but it should be fed in moderation.
Vegetables	Radish	Yes	Very rich in calcium, which promotes healthy and strong bones in parrots
Vegetables	Spinach	Yes	Good source of vitamins and antioxidants, but should be fed in moderation.
Vegetables	Squash, butternut	Yes	It’s filled with lots of nutrients and minerals, making it a superfood for parrots. Make sure you cut into chunks that your parrot can handle.
Vegetables	Swiss chard	Yes	It’s an excellent food option for parrots. It’s a great source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Vegetables	Turnip	Yes	Ensure it’s washed thoroughly before feeding it to your bird.
Vegetables	Watercress	Yes	Excellent source of calcium, which is essential for healthy feathers and strong bones in parrots.
Vegetables	Yam	Yes	Yams are very safe for parrots so long as you don’t add anything like butter or salt. They are an excellent source of vitamin A.
Vegetables	Zucchini (courgette)	Yes	It’s very healthy for birds. Give your parrot raw or steamed zucchini so that he can get most of the nutrients.

Miscellaneous

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Miscellaneous	Honey	Depends	Honey habors bacteria and grows mold, which could harm your bird’s health. Bees also concentrate herbicides and pesticides in their honey, making it not suitable for parrot consumption.
Miscellaneous	Spicy food	Depends	Parrots love spicy food more than even humans. However, some spices may not be safe for them. For example, cassia/Chinese cinnamon, which contains high levels of coumarin is very toxic to parrots and can cause liver damage.
Miscellaneous	Aloe vera	Yes	It promotes healthier liver functions. Avoid aloe vera leaves and sap because they contain a compound known as aloin that can cause intestinal irritations.
Miscellaneous	Grass	Yes	Helps an overweight parrot get back in shape because it plays a role in regenerating and detoxifying the liver.